FICTION

Elena Camps

Candlewick. (Elena). Jun. 2025. 32p. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9781536216424.
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PreS-Gr 4–Elena, the determined purple elephant, is back—this time on a camping adventure! All she needs to do is set up her tent. “GA-BUNK! GA-BAM! GA-BOING!” Despite her best efforts, Elena keeps getting buried under the collapsed tent. Her red bird friend offers a helpful suggestion, and after some frustration, Elena finally admits she could use a little help. By reading the instructions, she successfully assembles her tent and settles in for the night. With its extremely short text, this book is perfect for the earliest readers while still delivering a full, engaging story. The playful onomatopoeia enhances the humor, making Elena’s repeated tent mishaps even funnier. Her frustration and need to pause, breathe, and try again mirror how young children handle challenges, offering a great lesson in perseverance and emotional regulation. The simple yet expressive illustrations, set against white backgrounds, bring charm and energy to the story.
VERDICT A delightful and relatable read, this book is a must-have for libraries and a sure hit with young readers.

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